Mac Andrew: Gold Coast Suns star escapes conviction after high-range drink driving

A rising Gold Coast AFL star has suffered a “substantial loss” after being caught drink driving. Find out what happened in court.

A rising Gold Coast AFL star admits he will have to “win back trust” and has suffered a substantial financial loss after fronting court on high-range drink driving charges.

Mac Andrew made headlines for driving under the influence of alcohol in the early hours of December 31, pleading guilty to the incident in Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday.

Suns player Mac Andrew on April 20, 2022 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

The court heard Andrew was stopped at 1.50am after police observed his “poor” manner of driving.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Adams said the vehicle “had swerved in and out of the lanes” while driving in Broadbeach Waters.

Sen Cons Adams told the court Andrew had consumed two shots of Fireball whisky and “four or five” vodka sodas before hitting the road to head home.

Andrew blew 0.156, more than three times the legal alcohol limit.

Defence lawyer, Daniel Hannay of Hannay Lawyers, said the 19-year-old footballer was “aware of his poor actions” and had since suffered substantial losses.

The solicitor said Andrew had undergone widespread public scrutiny and media attention since the news broke, and had also lost $10,000 as a result a two-game suspension handed down by the Suns.

Mr Hannay explained that Andrew had been out celebrating the birthday of a school friend, who was visiting the Gold Coast from Victoria.

The court was told the Suns also ordered Andrew to complete 30 hours of community service.

Mr Hannay said Andrew had enrolled in both the Queensland Traffic Offenders Program and an additional Suns-mandated driving course.

He said his client had a promising future ahead of him and had an extremely limited traffic history.

Mac Andrew, 19-year-old Suns player, outside of Southport Courthouse.

Magistrate Mark Bamberry said the amount of media attention Andrew had experienced – which others his age would likely escape – left him “embarrassed in front of family and friends”.

He said it was encouraging to see the Suns club rallying around Andrew after his offending, including an officer supporting the athlete from the courtroom gallery.

Magistrate Bamberry said he would reduce both the fine and licence disqualification period in light of the punishments Andrew had already faced.

Andrew was fined $1000 and disqualified for six months, having already been off the roads for three weeks.

Speaking outside the Southport courthouse after his sentencing, Andrew said he was sorry for his actions and had “100 per cent learnt his lesson”.

“Obviously I just want to say sorry to everyone – I made a really poor decision,” he said.

“It’s something I’ve got to own and I just want to say sorry to the whole Gold Coast community, all the fans, sponsors, (and) members.

“Obviously I’m going to do whatever I can to try and get that trust and respect back from you guys.”

Andrew was selected at pick 5 in the 2021 national draft and played the final four games of his debut season for the Suns last year.

He signed a two-year contract extension last April, which would see him remain at the club until at least the end of 2025.

On the day he was charged, Suns released a statement saying it was “extremely disappointed” to share the news of Andrew’s arrest.

“Mac has made a poor decision and understands he has let a number of people down, as well as the club and the wider Gold Coast community,” general manager football performance Wayne Campbell said.

“He understands the severity of his actions and has shown remorse.

“As a club, we now look to support Mac and help him through the situation.”

Originally published as Mac Andrew: Gold Coast Suns star escapes conviction after high-range drink driving